Zoledronic acid in lung cancer with bone metastases: a review

Abstract

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide and bone metastases develop in approximately 30–40% of cases. Bisphosphonates are a key therapy for bone metastases; zoledronic acid is the only bisphosphonate with efficacy in preventing, reducing the incidence and delaying the onset of skeletal-related events controlling bone pain. Several bone metabolism markers indicate bone resorption activity, linking with prognosis and efficacy of zoledronic acid. Zoledronic acid has a well-established tolerability profile and can be administered safely as long-term therapy, although preventive measures are needed to avoid some severe side effects (nephrotoxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaw) found in a small number of patients receiving long-term therapy. Currently, lung cancer patients with bone metastases are candidates to receive zoledronic acid in clinical practice with demonstrated benefits and safety preserving quality of life. Additional roles in anticancer activity deserve attention and are under investigation.

Keywords::

• bone metastases
• lung cancer
• zoledronic acid

Financial & competing interests disclosure

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Editorial assistance in the preparation of this manuscript was provided by Springer Healthcare. Support for this assistance was funded by Novartis Farmacéutica S.A. The development of this manuscript was supported by a grant from Novartis Farmacéutica S.A., who did not participate in the discussion nor review the expert’s opinion prior to publication.